Post # 150...

15 reasons...
Why I love blogging...

♥ Meeting new people.

♥ Learning new things.

♥ Book reviews.

♥ Laughing out loud.

♥ Common thoughts, common experiences.

♥ Recording events in my life.

♥ Pictures

♥ Comments

♥ Being inspired.

♥ Writing is a form of venting for me.

♥ Learning about people and their different situations.

♥ Keeping up with good friends.

♥ Sharing my joys and my struggles.

♥ Support from others.

♥ Having my blog to read and look back on as a journal.

I will be giving away some homemade cards and a small treat. So leave a comment and let me know your reading my blog and your name will be entered in my drawing!

Today...

When I woke up the girls from their nap Hailey was zonked out so I got Sydney up and left Hailey to sleep. After a half hour Hailey was up and Sydney was begging to join Hailey in her crib. It's been an hour (yes you read that right) and they are still playing in her crib. I keep checking on them asking them if they want out and they keep saying no. Can you say GLORIOUS! I have folded and washed several loads of laundry, picked up, vacuumed. I wish this would happen more often. Today having twins has a benefit.

Stay tuned... my next post is 150. Who knew I had so much to say? One lucky poster will win a little treat giveaway for comments on that post (I will draw a name). So be sure to leave comments. You don't have to have an account to leave a comment. It will be a fun way to find out who is actually reading my blog, so don't be shy. I like to know people are reading!

and the joys of potty training continue...

Let's call this stage a "work in progress". The girls are pretty reliable about telling me they have to pee, almost too reliable. Try going to the mall with three little ones in tow, you have an hour till kindergarten starts. So you have them use the bathroom before you enter the mall, then they have to go before you actually enter the store, then before you get anything done at the said store another announces an emergency needed trip... you go to the bathroom again (nothing), then before the next stop both announce a need to go the bathroom again (so you go) niether produces anything, you get the car to head to school, time is short now... they both announce again they have to go to the bathroom. That's five trips (many false alarms) in just one visit. This scenerio happens in places like Costco, the mall, forget church and nursery (we are in the bathroom the whole time). Things are getting better they are more aware of when they actually need to go now. Although they don't often feel that need at the same time so I still end up being in the bathroom a lot! Accidents are decreasing. EXCEPT one little problem. Sydney just doesn't poop in the potty. She has only done it three times in a month! Nearly all accidents occur at naptime or bedtime (nothing can be done about that) but even when she can go she generally does it in her pants. We have bribed and it worked once (she did it last saturday) but at her bribe trip to McDonalds she had another #2 accident (unbelieveable) . I am trying to be patient, but this is really frustrating. Any tips? Hailey is doing great.

In case you need a laugh...

Taking two chatterboxes to the bathroom can be very interesting too. The other day they told someone good job when they heard her pee coming. They also told someone that they were making a stinky smell complete with big sniff sniff noises and when Alan took them to the bathroom he caught one twin (while he was helping the other) looking her head under the stall at someone. They also fight over who gets to flush everytime! Oh the fun!

Brrr It's Fall...

Last week we awoke to warm temps and kept the air on all day to keep cool. It was still in the 80's. Yesterday Fall rolled in. It rained and it poured and its down right freezing. The mountains even had a dust of snow at the tops. The temp inside my house is just 64 (at noon)! I already miss summer!

Sydney (L) Hailey (R)

Last week the girls wore these outfits with just the shirt as a tank and sandals. This week we have several layers on and boots!

Park city...

Every year we go up to Park City to ride the Alpine slides. We usually wait till fall is approaching and the air has a crisp feel. The mountains were already changing, and it was beautiful. This year Sydney and Hailey joined us for the ride!

If you were a twin...

You could ask her to get your wipe (toilet paper) when you use the potty (and she would comply).
"Sydney I need my wipe please".

Someone would know if you were missing...
At the funeral luncheon (at our church) there were a million little ones running around and Hailey came to us and said, "Where is the other one"? It was then we discovered Sydney was missing. She was quickly found with Lindsey safely in another room.

Even sleeping can be emotional...
When I found Sydney this morning she was crying hysterically. When I asked her why she told me, "Hailey doesn't love me". Hailey then yelled " o.k I love you Sydney". All was better.

If you have to go potty you would need to make sure your sippy cups and other essential toys are safe. So you would go through all your precious items and tell sissy to leave them alone for a minute.

When you ride in the car you could have a spit out water war and laugh until you were almost crying (mommy doesn't like this though).

Someone would be there to motivate you even in life's most personal tasks...
Your sister could tell you with great emphasis why she loves to poop on the potty and the rewards of this process (Sydney is still struggling with that one).

You might fall down the stairs backwards. So... watch out when you walk down stairs because if your sister needs some balance she might grab you and make you fall down in her place. You then would blame her and say she pushed you which is not so ... she just was trying to save herself.

Your name would not be just Hailey or Sydney because your sister would call you "My Sydney or My Hailugh"...


You would know the number two better than any other number. You will have learned you should always need two of everything to avoid being snatched from. Better to take care of sissy first so you can have yours without a fight.

You could wake up at 3am and laugh and giggle just like it was morning. Mommy would be shocked and go in and tell you both to go back to sleep though.

And at just three you could already try and trick people and switch names (and succeed).

If you get hurt outside someone will come tell mommy to help you...

Someone will help you get your shoes on or off.

You would learn young the powers of negotiation. If she has something you want, find something better and make a trade...

Yes if you were a twin you would never be bored!

Bonus...

Opps I had to add two more of my favorite devices.

6-My camera, the digital Canon Rebel. This camera is the best thing I have ever bought myself. Digital became big over the last 10 yrs but this camera has mastered it. High megapixels with a SLR and no delay. I could not live without this thing! I really am in love with it! I have the Canon Digital Rebel XT.

7-I also use daily my wireless headphones, by RCA. I have had them for 3-4 yrs. I love being able to watch t.v at night with the sound down (so Alan can sleep). My lil sister got these when she got married and I know she will agree they are awesome. Warning though... its hard to go to bed when you can stay up all night watching your shows (quietly) that you tivo'd.

Top 5 tech advances...

I have been married ten years and in that ten years a lot about life has changed. It got me to thinking about my top 5 technological advances. No they don't change the world for better (atleast not always) but they make me happy. So here they are (in no particular order).
1- My cell phone (cannot live without it and I did not have one before I married)
2-Tivo (I have had this for 6 yrs)
3-The internet (it was out before but it really took off in the last 10 yrs).
4-My Ipod (this one I have only had 6 months)
5-Ebay (I have been a member since 1999)

I am sure I missed some really important ones, so post yours on your blog!

My Grandpa...

Please forgive me for sharing this but my Grandpa was such a wonderful man I want have him remembered. I really appreciate all your sincere thoughts in the comments, it means a lot!

Ivan O. Jensen
Ivan O Jensen 1915 ~ 2007 The winter of 1915 in Brigham City brought unusual amounts of snow, an influenza outbreak and in the wee morning hours of January 29, Ivan O Jensen. Ivan was born to Orville and Cleopha Jensen. He is the brother of Matilda CamilleLarsen and Carolyn M. Champion. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and Friend. The greatest of "The Great" generation. He had a never ending love for his family and a strong testimony of his Savior. Ivan graduated from Box Elder High School and attended Utah State and Weber College. He faithfully served in the LDS Easter Canadian Mission, where he met a sister missionary who later became his eternal companion. Ivan and Marguerite Christensen were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in 1941, a wise decision for the past 66 years and in the eternities to come. They have six children: Karen (Rex) Alldredge, Roberta (Paul) Barstad, Kathleen (LaVere) Terry, Ivan Orville Jensen, Mary Ann (Dennis) Golightly, and James (Mardi) Jensen. They have 22 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Ivan held many church positions. He enjoyed collecting books and clocks as well as hunting, fishing, and writing poetry. He was frugal, and could fix just about anything. He always had a nickname for everyone, and drew mice (his trademark). His love for building and investing is evident in the many custom homes he built in the Bountiful area with his own stamp of quality. He was a determined and hard worker. Ivan's family wishes to thank our friends, neighbors, Rocky Mountain Hospice and all who have offered their love, support and prayers. Ivan will be remembered and missed by all those who love him. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thurs. Sept. 13, 2007 at the Bountiful 14th Ward Chapel and family may call Wed. evening from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com Published in the Deseret News on 9/11/2007.
Guest Book • Flowers • Charities

Sept. 11th 2001

I jarred awake by a phone ringing, it seemed something was wrong, and it was. I never wake up without turning on the t.v. anymore. I will never forget the horror I felt seeing what was happening on t.v and then suddenly the buildings fell. I did not feel safe and I was very far away. Later that day I had my first doctor appointment for my pregnancy with Jacob. It was very busy and chaotic at the office so they offered to do an ultrasound to make up for the length 3 hr wait. As I sat there, knots in my stomach, I saw the new life coming into our family and I suddenly felt peaceful. In the midst of all this confusion this child was a miracle to me. I wondered what world this child would grow up in, what he was being born into. Jacob was born later the next year and he brought the joy and the peace only a new life can bring. I will never forget that day, the people who lost their lives, and seeing my new miracle for the first time... helping me remember life would go on and be o.k.

Today...

We lost my Grandpa. I know he lived an amazing life and that he was suffering, but there is never enough time. I will never have been ready to let him go. I know this is especially hard on my Grandma. She slept in a chair in his room the last two nights so she would be with him and had a difficult time letting him go today after he passed. I am very grateful he was able to come home the last month and be with us, and pass on with his family and loved ones there. I am very sad today and will miss him deeply!

I'm It!

I was challenged to tell 8 random thing about myself. This was hard for me!
1-I was nicknamed "Maggie Pie" as a child because I never stopped talking. I still talk a lot, and I find this characteristic in Lindsey as well.
2-It's easy to hurt my feelings and I never tell people when they do.
3-I have never tasted any seafood, and only eat certain meats (chicken, some beef). I just have an aversion to it, especially if it takes time to chew.
4-I did not learn to drive till I was 17.
5- I love Anne of Green Gables. I believe you have kindred spirits in your life.
6- I have had a lot of weird things happen to me...
To name a few
A- swallowed a penny at 3 that got stuck in my throat and had to removed at the hospital days later.
B-Choked in 5th grade, awful experience, could not breathe for what seemed like forever, people attempted to help me but were unsuccessful (scary). Finally my teacher did the Heimlich and got it out.
C-I am Rh-
D-I was hit ice skating a little over a year ago (by a little 16 year old speed skating) I was knocked out and had a concussion. I received 15 stitches in my lips and mouth! A plastic surgeon had to fix me up! My bump was the size of a golf ball and eventually all the blood from it drained to my eye and made me get a black eye (my eye never hurt). Hailey got a black eye the same day, we were a real pair! My black eye lasted a whole month!


E-Being diagnosed and successfully delivering my miracle Monoamniotic twins.
6- Although I grew up in California (northern) I never went to Disneyland till I was an adult. Alan took me when we were dating. Now we go all the time!
7-Growing up I always loved children, babysat as often as I could. I used to be a nanny before I was married or had kids myself. One of the families I worked for was a baseball player for the SF Giants. It was such a interesting job.
8- I have only had one pedicure and it was only a month ago!

So I am supposed to tag other blogs, most of them have already been tagged so...
I tag: Kristi, Steph, Kirstencan, Erin, Brad or Jen (quads), Angie (Maggie and Natalie's mom) and anyone who reads and doesn't have a blog can do it in the comments if they want! Can't wait to read all of yours!

Jacob's Big Day...

Jacob went off to kindergarten yesterday. He was overjoyed and confident and that was wonderful! What a great kid!





When I picked him out he was the first out of the classroom and ran right into my arms. I am so glad he's not too old for that yet!!

Our weekend getaway...

After ten years of marriage we finally took a weekend get away. We left last Saturday for the long weekend. It was amazing. Alan and I went to San Francisco. It was perfect because we both grew up there and spent a lot of time their while we were dating, we even got engaged next to the Golden Gate bridge. We relaxed, ate and just enjoyed being together. No stress, no worries, just plain wonderful! I highly recommend it!
The weather was perfect, we drove up the coast on Hwy 1, Union square, Fishermans wharf, half moon bay, they even had a 24 fitness a block away, and with all the good food I wanted to eat I had to hit that spot for sure!

Me where we got engaged

City view

Sea Lions

The city behind me...

Driving the bridge...

Near the spot where we got engagedWatch out if you go shopping and spend a long time in a store that has a helicopter kiosk outside...

Which one? Opinions please...

I am trying to pick a dresser for the girls. One of these I am leaning towards and probably won't change my mind because I like the matching night stand better. But... I still want opinions. One is cheaper because it can be purchased at the local costco. The other goes off sale on August 31st so I have to decide before then. I am keeping all that info to myself so I get unbiased opinions. So please post a opinion. Click on comments at the bottom, you do not need to have a blogger account.


These top two go together...

This is a view of the nightstand, ignore the bed.

* To clarify there are two dressers. I am only buying one. I do not know what those boxes are. They might go together but I do not have room for two. Well I do but I want the room less crowded.

Gone are the lazy days...

Of summer! Lindsey started school monday and its been busy.

Not so much that she started school either. Wasn't sure I should share this, too many twin moms who read still have to embark on potty training. Potty training any child is a grueling process and potty training two is torture. After we dropped Lindsey to school we went to the mall. I took them straight to the baby potties. Hailey went with success. Sydney tried and it flushed (love that auto flush) while she was sitting which scared her and she fell in, UGH! She was never going to sit on that toilet or go anywhere near it again. So... I knew we had to go because she was on borrowed time. As we leave Hailey has an accident, which was really shocking since she just went. SO we headed home. They are doing about average and as long as I stay home they mostly have success but if I leave forget it. So we are stuck home doing nothing else but watching them. Diapers are underated. I would recommend waiting and enjoying them as long as possible. Right now it feels like life will never be the same. I know it will get better, right?
Oh and if you put a piece of toilet paper over the sensor it won't auto flush! Next time (not sure there will be a next time) I will have the potty seat in the car. Live and learn.

Jacob starts school next Tuesday. This week is kindergarten testing. Good thing too, since he threw up last night!

Princess beds...

This is what Sydney and Hailey got for their birthday. I ordered them today. I don't think I will move them into them right away but they will be ready and waiting...

Birthday Bash...

Sydney

HaileyHailey

Sydney

The girls had a great birthday! Loved watching them enjoy everything its like doing everything for the first time!

Happy Birthday Sydney and Hailey

Happy Birthday to my sweet twins. Three years ago today I felt more joy than I have ever known when I held you safe in my arms. After so many months of worry and agony you were born safely. During my pregnancy I never dared hope for such a joyous outcome. Spending so many dark moments believing you may never be mine was the hardest experience I have ever known... but without it I would not have known the joy that I have felt being your mother. Every moment of every day we all enjoy both of you. Your spirits have brought so much happiness to our family. May you always know how desperately we fought to get your here, how precious your lives are to us! You have changed the lives of all who know you! I love you my miracle babies!Safe in my arms (holding the girls for the first time).

First day home from the NICY (29 days).

More later...

Being that Person...

It constantly amazes me that no matter how bad my day has been, or how stressful things are, that a simple thing can refill my tank.
Yesterday after I put everyone to bed I was heading out to the gym. As I was walking out the door I heard a little voice. It was Jacob, he had escaped from his bed and asked me in his sweet voice, with his lower lip shaking, if I could come in and give him one more hug when I got home. He was on the verge of tears. It's amazing to be loved back like that. These children are my world, and I give up everything for them. It's nice to get to be that person. The person that makes them feel safe, warm and loved. It is also a big deal to be that person. Making sure you provide the proper amounts of cuddling, encouragement, and teaching needed. Being patient enough. You never know if what your doing is right or enough. My mom is still that person for me. It doesn't matter how old I get I still need her too. She understand the demands of mothering.